Chapter 73: Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau**
By the time Liu Wei finally dragged Wu Yifan into the hotel, the clock was inching toward ten o'clock. The lobby hummed with the soft clink of teacups and the murmur of conversations, a far cry from the chaos of their morning.
"You absolute fool—slow, stubborn, and totally useless," Liu Wei grumbled, her jaw tight with frustration. "I ask for one favor, and you drag your feet like it's a death sentence. Mark my words, I won't let this slide."
"Hey, Miss Liu, let's not rewrite history here," Wu Yifan shot back, rolling his eyes. "You're the one who nitpicked my clothes, my hair, *everything*. That's what ate up the time. Not me."
"Oh, so I'm the villain now?" She huffed, crossing her arms. "Look at you—your whole outfit probably cost less than a hundred yuan. Hello? I need you to *convince* my parents, not win a 'ragged clothes contest.' If you look like a beggar, they'll smell a fake from a mile away. Even *I'd* question my taste."
"Then maybe you should've bought me new clothes," he retorted, gesturing to his worn-out shirt. "Would've saved us the hassle."
"Buy you clothes? In your dreams!" Liu Wei scoffed, her lips twisting into a sneer. "You think I'm made of money?"
"Last time President Ye took me to a banquet, she gave me cash *and* a new suit," Wu Yifan said, unable to resist goading her. "Guess some people are just more generous than others."
Liu Wei didn't even flinch. If anything, she looked amused. "Newsflash: Ye Xiwen runs a giant KTV empire. I'm an editor-in-chief. Not exactly the same tax bracket. That fancy dinner yesterday? That was my life savings for the month. Now quit whining and let's go." With that, she shoved him toward the elevator, her spiky red hair bouncing with the force.
The elevator chimed on the second floor, and Liu Wei led him down a quiet corridor, stopping at a door marked "Lotus Room." She knocked twice, took a deep breath, and pushed it open.
Inside, sunlight slanted through lattice windows, casting patterns on a polished wooden table. Seated there were a middle-aged couple—both in their fifties, dressed in understated silk and tailored jackets that screamed "refinement." The woman sipped tea from a delicate cup, while the man leaned back in his chair, eyes crinkling as he chatted. They looked up as the door opened, and their smiles froze.
First, their gazes landed on Liu Wei—and their eyebrows shot up.
"Weiwei? Sweetheart, are you… okay?" The woman, her voice gentle but confused, set down her cup. "Did something happen? Why are you dressed like this?"
The man adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses, his gaze shifting to Wu Yifan. He didn't speak, but his eyes—sharp, observant—seemed to weigh Wu Yifan like a judge examining evidence.
Liu Wei, however, was already in "charm mode." She pasted on a sugary smile, looping her arm through Wu Yifan's and snuggling close. "Mom, Dad, I know it's a lot, but Ah Fan loves it. He says this look's 'super feminine.' How could I say no to him?" Her voice dipped into a soft, singsong lilt—sweeter than honey, enough to make Wu Yifan's teeth ache.
Wu Yifan nearly stumbled. *This girl's a chameleon.* One minute she was snapping at him like a viper; the next, she was cooing like a love-struck teenager. Southern girls had a reputation for soft voices, but Liu Wei could give a nightingale lessons in sweetness.
And yet—*she's throwing me under the bus*. He shot her a glare, but she ignored him, already turning back to her parents with that same saccharine smile.
"'Ah Fan'?" Both parents blinked, exchanging a quick, confused look.
"Mhm! We've been seeing each other for over six months," Liu Wei said, her cheeks flushing just enough to look convincing. "It's still new, so I didn't want to say anything… but I thought it was time you met him." She nudged Wu Yifan sharply with her elbow. "Aren't you going to say hello?"
"R-right! Uncle, Aunt, nice to meet you," Wu Yifan stammered, forcing a grin.
The man stood, extending a hand. "So you're Yifan. Please, sit. Make yourself at home—no need to stand on ceremony." His voice was warm, but there was a quiet authority to it, like he was used to being listened to.
Wu Yifan shook his hand, noting the calluses on his palm—odd for a man in such fine clothes. He sat across from them, his back straight, while Liu Wei plopped down beside him, still clinging to his arm.
"Yifan," the man said, pouring Wu Yifan a cup of tea, "may I ask your full name?"
"Wu Yifan."
"A good name," the man nodded, his eyes crinkling. "So many chase fame and fortune their whole lives, forgetting that simplicity is a gift. Your parents must have hoped for a peaceful, uncomplicated life for you. That's a rare thing."
"Thank you, sir. That's very kind," Wu Yifan said, sipping the tea—it was jasmine, fragrant and smooth.
The man waved off the compliment. "Not kind—just honest. I only have one daughter, after all. I know her well: impulsive, stubborn, always rushing into things without thinking. She even uses my name to stir up trouble sometimes." He chuckled, but there was a flicker of fondness in his eyes. "Luckily, she's never crossed the line. I let her have her fun—everyone deserves to chase their hobbies, right?"
"Uses your name?" Wu Yifan frowned, glancing at Liu Wei. *What kind of background does she have?*
Liu Wei kicked him under the table, hissing, "You really don't know who my dad is?"
"Should I?" he whispered back.
"You—!" She spluttered, then huffed, looking away.
The woman, who'd been quiet until now, smiled. "It seems our Weiwei hasn't told you much. That's a good sign, honestly. Too many young men only court her for… well, for connections." She exchanged a look with her husband, who nodded.
"Xiao Wu seems genuine," he said, raising his teacup in a toast. "Not here for favors. That's rare."
Wu Yifan sipped his tea, curiosity gnawing at him. "If you don't mind me asking… what do you do, sir?"
The man smiled, tilting his head toward Liu Wei. "Why don't you tell him, Weiwei?"
Liu Wei rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of pride in her voice. "My